Wine Tours from Sydney

Many of the fine Australian wines served at Sydney's world-class restaurants and wine bars are sourced from New South Wales' famous Hunter Valley vineyards.

The Hunter Region is around 150km (95 miles) north of Sydney, and it produces some of Australia’s most highly awarded wines.The center of Hunter Valley wine country is Pokolbin, producing highly sought-after Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon reds, and Chardonnay and Semillon whites. The area’s main centers are the towns of Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone.

The Hunter’s proximity to Sydney makes it ideal for a day trip with country flair and flavor. It’s a scenic drive from the city of Sydney through vine-covered hills to the area’s cellar doors for wine tastings and a winery lunch. The route takes you past colonial-era villages, with the chance to see some of Australia’s weird and wonderful native animals along the way at an animal park.

Or you can speed things up a notch and fly to the Hunter and back by helicopter, an amazingly scenic one-hour flight each way along the Hawkesbury River. Lunch and wine tastings are included, along with central-Sydney hotel transfers.

A two-day jaunt through the Hunter Valley includes time for activities like horse riding or hot-air ballooning over the vineyards. Set your own relaxed pace, and visit as many wineries as you choose.

The region is also known for its fine local produce, and there are opportunities aplenty to savor handmade chocolates and artisan cheeses while you’re visiting the Hunter Valley.